A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
2.
System and method for controlling an electricity supply
A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
3.
VARIABLE TEMPERATURE REACTOR, HEATER AND CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR THE SAME
An apparatus is provided for nebulising a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus comprises an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling means, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various means for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 7/24 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A perforate element for use in a print head for non-contact liquid printing comprises: at least one ejection element including an outlet, configured to eject a bulk flow of printing liquid out of the print head; and a liquid residence element, arranged to provide a layer of liquid over the outlet which extends laterally of the outlet and through which the bulk flow is ejected.
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir and an expansion volume; and an aspirator element, configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume, thereby to displace printing liquid from the reservoir to the expansion volume, and restore the pressure in the expansion volume, thereby to return the printing liquid to the reservoir so as to mix the printing liquid therein.
A method of inspecting a material comprising: producing at least one eddy current excitation in a material under test; sensing said at least one eddy current excitation in the material under test; wherein the method comprises using a low cross-correlation coded spread spectrum to produce said at least one eddy current excitation, and using a correlation technique to make a determination of amplitude and phase of the sensed eddy current excitation; wherein the method further comprises using the determination to make an assessment of the material under test.
G01N 27/90 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
8.
Optical system for a display with an off axis projector
An optical projection system provides part of a display system that presents a displayed virtual image at a predetermined distance in front of a viewing position. Said display system comprises a projection system and a primary reflecting optic that deflects an off-axis incoming optical signal from the projection system toward the viewing position. Said projection system is arranged to provide an adapted output image signal that compensates for optical aberration effects introduced by the reflecting optic to ensure provision of a reduced aberration display image to the viewing position, and where the reflecting optic comprises a grating structure.
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
G02B 27/00 - Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups ,
An acoustic sensor comprises a side wall closed at each end by an end wall to form a cavity which, in use, contains a fluid. At least one transmitter and at least one receiver are operatively associated with one of the end walls. A maximum half width, a, of the cavity and a height, h, of the cavity satisfies the following inequality: a/h is greater than 1.2. In use, the transmitter causes oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the transmitter, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls such that the perpendicular oscillations of the end walls drive substantially in-plane oscillations of the fluid pressure in the cavity. The substantially in-plane oscillations in the pressure of the fluid drive substantially perpendicular oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the receiver, resulting in an electrical signal from the receiver.
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
G01N 9/22 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity by observing bodies wholly or partially immersed in fluid materials by balancing the weight of the bodies with continuous circulation of the fluid
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir (103) and an expansion volume (105); and an aspirator element (111; 311; 411), configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to displace printing liquid (L) from the reservoir (103) to the expansion volume (105), and restore the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to return the printing liquid (L) to the reservoir (103) so as to mix the printing liquid (L) therein.
A treatment device includes a unit having an ultrasound imaging element and an ablation electrode, mechanism for receiving signals from the imaging element, the signals representing plural frames of ultrasound data; and mechanism for processing the signals to provide, in use, at least one of ultrasound data and data indicating mechanical strains within tissue being monitored by the sensor element, the strains being generated by movement of the tissue or the body being treated, the movement being generated naturally by the tissue or by the device operator's motion, or both.
A61B 90/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories specially adapted for surgery or diagnosis and not covered by any of the groups , e.g. for luxation treatment or for protecting wound edges
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
An apparatus for inductive temperature sensing comprises a coil configuration, a target, and an impedance measurement circuit. The target has a non-zero conductivity and susceptibility and the impedance measurement circuit measures the apparent inductance of the coil configuration at a measurement frequency close to the crossover frequency to provide an indication of temperature of the target.
G01K 7/38 - Measuring temperature based on the use of electric or magnetic elements directly sensitive to heat using magnetic elements, e.g. magnets, coils the variations of temperature influencing the magnetic permeability
A nozzle plate (201) for use in a liquid droplet production apparatus and such apparatus, the nozzle plate comprising a flexible substrate having a linear array of nozzles that extend through said plate, said nozzles being arranged in at least one line, forming thereby a nozzle- bearing region, wherein the substrate is curved so as to impart an increased longitudinal stiffness to it. The apparatus comprises a piezo actuator (202, 203), which may have sllots (211) separating fingers acting on the nozzle plate (201). The nozzle plate may be seaprable form the actuator.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
A data logging device comprises a fluid reservoir (7) containing a fluid. A porous media (3) is provided through which the fluid can pass, and a valve (2) connects the reservoir (7) and the porous media (3) and controls flow there between. An actuator (6) is configured to actuate the valve (2) when the device crosses a predetermined applied parameter threshold so that the fluid can flow from the reservoir (7) along the porous media (3); such that the article is arranged to provide, in use, an indication of the progress of the fluid through the porous media (3) to indicate the total time that was spent by the device past the predetermined parameter threshold.
G01K 3/04 - Thermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving mean valuesThermometers giving results other than momentary value of temperature giving integrated values in respect of time
G01K 5/62 - Measuring temperature based on the expansion or contraction of a material the material being a solid constrained so that expansion or contraction causes a deformation of the solid the solid body being formed of compounded strips or plates, e.g. bimetallic strip
G01D 1/04 - Measuring arrangements giving results other than momentary value of variable, of general application giving integrated values
A method of inspecting a material comprising: producing at least one eddy current excitation in a material under test; sensing said at least one eddy current excitation in the material under test; wherein the method comprises using a low cross-correlation coded spread spectrum to produce said at least one eddy current excitation, and using a correlation technique to make a determination of amplitude and phase of the sensed eddy current excitation; wherein the method further comprises using the determination to make an assessment of the material under test.
G01N 27/90 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws using eddy currents
17.
SYSTEM FOR THE MONITORING OF A PREVIOUSLY TRAVELLED PATHWAY
A system for monitoring a previously travelled pathway. The system comprises a user device comprising means for interacting with a user and node devices arranged to be deployed on a pathway as a user travels. The nodes are arranged to communicate with at least one other node device or the user device or a device external to the system to reflect a change in a predetermined factor in the region of the deployed node device on the pathway.
G08B 7/06 - Signalling systems according to more than one of groups Personal calling systems according to more than one of groups using electric transmission
G08B 25/00 - Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
18.
AEROSOL APPARATUS WITH IMPROVED SEPARABLE MEMBRANE
A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a separable perforate membrane (44), a means for supplying liquid to one side of the membrane, an actuator (41) for vibrating a membrane, so that the vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane, in which a magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted, wherein the magnetic force is generated by one or more arrays of magnets (43), eventually on a substrate (42), each array containing either a plurality of magnets or at least one magnet having a multiple pole configuration.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
H01F 7/04 - Means for releasing the attractive force
A nozzle assembly, configured to receive fluid at pressures of greater than 1 bar. The nozzle assembly comprises a first perforate element (1) comprising one or more orifices (2), each orifice having an inlet and an outlet and a diameter of no more than 100 μm, and at least one second perforate element (4) further comprising a plurality of orifices of a smaller size than the one or more orifices of the first perforate element (1) and having a larger number of orifices than the first perforate element (1). The second perforate element (4) is configured to act as a filter and the second perforate element (4) is attached to the first perforate element (1). A perpendicular distance between the first and second perforate elements (4) is less than the diameter of the largest orifice of the first perforate element (1).
A system comprises a head-worn optical device for monitoring one or more physiological parameters from a region of interest on, in or near the eye of a user. The device comprises a measurement sub-system positioned substantially outside the field of view of a user, and an optical beam combining element, located in the field of view, where said element is transparent to a portion of the light incident on the element, while a second portion of the light is deflected such that the measurement sub-system is able to optically access the eye via the optical beam combining element.
A61B 3/113 - Objective types, i.e. instruments for examining the eyes independent of the patients perceptions or reactions for determining or recording eye movement
According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a spray device is provided for generating an aerosol. The spray device comprises a reservoir for containing a store of a liquid; a delivery chamber for containing a dose of the liquid received from the reservoir prior to ejection; a perforate element comprising one or more nozzles; a drive mechanism configured to drive liquid from the delivery chamber through the one or more nozzles; and a fluid metering system. The fluid metering system comprises an actuated valve that is actuatable between a closed position and an open position. The opening and closing of the actuated valve can be sequenced to control the flow of fluid from the reservoir to the delivery chamber.
There is disclosed a device for delivering a fluid spray to a mouth of a user, either directly, or via a flow conductor such as a tube or pipe. The spray device uses a vibrating perforate membrane to create the spray and the vibration of the membrane is controlled in response to input from a flow rate sensor which detects a flow rate through the device or through the flow conductor. There is further disclosed a corresponding method of controlling a spray head in a spray delivery device.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
23.
OPTICAL SYSTEM FOR A DISPLAY WITH AN OFF AXIS PROJECTOR
An optical projection system provides part of a display system that presents a displayed virtual image at a predetermined distance in front of a viewing position. Said display system comprises a projection system and a primary reflecting optic that deflects an off-axis incoming optical signal from the projection system toward the viewing position. Said projection system is arranged to provide an adapted output image signal that compensates for optical aberration effects introduced by the reflecting optic to ensure provision of a reduced aberration display image to the viewing position, and where the reflecting optic comprises a grating structure.
A gas pipe security system comprises a bung device arranged so as to be placed inside the bore of a pipe in use and constructed. When gas passes through the pipe and bung the bung generates a sensing signal, and a sensor device detects the sensing signal generated by the bung and provides an alarm signal based thereon..
G01P 13/00 - Indicating or recording presence or absence of movementIndicating or recording of direction of movement
G01F 1/05 - Measuring the volume flow or mass flow of fluid or fluent solid material wherein the fluid passes through a meter in a continuous flow by using mechanical effects
A gas pipe blocking system comprises an electromechanical device (4) which in turn comprises at least one protruding member (10) arranged so as to lock the device (4) in place inside the bore of a pipe when the member (10) is in a first position. The member (10) is arranged such that the members (10) are moved to a second position in which the device (4) ceases to be locked in position when a power source is applied to move the members (10).
F16L 55/128 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose
F16L 55/136 - Means for stopping flow in pipes or hoses by introducing into the pipe a member expandable in situ introduced axially into the pipe or hose the closure device being a plug fixed by radially expanding or deforming a split ring, hooks or the like
26.
METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE TOMOGRAPHIC IMAGE OF AN ACOUSTIC FIELD AND A SYSTEM FOR PERFORMING SAID METHOD
There is provided A method for producing an electrical impedance tomographic image of an acoustic field within a fluid, comprising the steps of: a) positioning a plurality of electrodes within a fluid; b) applying an electrical signal to each electrode within a first subset of electrodes, wherein the electrical signal applied to each electrode has a different carrier frequency and/or phase; c) measuring the electrical potential at each electrode within a second subset of electrodes; and d) processing the measured data to provide an acoustic map of the acoustic field at the required acoustic frequencies. There is also provided a system for producing an electrical impedance tomographic image of an acoustic field within a fluid using the method of any preceding claim, comprising a plurality of electrodes, a signal generator adapted to perform step (b), a device adapted to perform step (c), and a processor adapted to perform step (d).
G01H 11/06 - Measuring mechanical vibrations or ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves by detecting changes in electric or magnetic properties by electric means
G01N 27/02 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating impedance
27.
Fluid management for vibrating perforate membrane spray systems
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 11/00 - Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
A61L 9/00 - Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A61M 35/00 - Devices for applying media, e.g. remedies, on the human body
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
An optical system comprises a transparent display arranged to be placed in the near field view of a user. Image generation means generates an image on the transparent display, the formed image having a blank area formed therein to allow a viewer to view an image of higher resolution than the first.
A display system is arranged to be placed in front of the eye or positioned in front of an image recording device that presents a view comprising the normal visual field overlaid with an image of a transparent display panel. The system comprises a transparent display panel positioned in front of the eye, and a dual focus lens positioned between the eye and the transparent display panel the lens arranged to allow the eye to focus on both the display panel and a view through the transparent panel.
An acoustic sensor comprises a side wall closed at each end by an end wall to form a cavity which, in use, contains a fluid. At least one transmitter and at least one receiver are operatively associated with one of the end walls. A maximum half width, a, of the cavity and a height, h, of the cavity satisfies the following inequality: a/h is greater than 1.2. In use, the transmitter causes oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the transmitter, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls such that the perpendicular oscillations of the end walls drive substantially in-plane oscillations of the fluid pressure in the cavity. The substantially in-plane oscillations in the pressure of the fluid drive substantially perpendicular oscillatory motion of the region of the end wall operatively associated with the receiver, resulting in an electrical signal from the receiver.
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
An apparatus is provided for nebulizing a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus includes an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling mechanism, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various mechanisms for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 7/24 - Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas with means, e.g. a container, for supplying liquid or other fluent material to a discharge device
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A spray device for generating a slow moving aerosol, whereby the aerosol is generated from at least two impinging jets and the jets are formed by forcing liquid through a single moulded plastic nozzle assembly comprising: a. one or more thin walled sections (typically<200 µm) (18) where the thin wall sections (18) are supported by one or more thick walled sections (typically>200 µm) (17, 19). b. at least two opposing holes (13) with hydraulic diameters of 5 pm to 100µm (typically 30 µm) and axes at an angle of between 55 and 125 degrees (preferably 90 degrees) to an external surface of the thin walled section (18), such that the projected areas of the holes (13) at least partially intersect at the outlet side of the nozzle.
B05B 1/26 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with means for mechanically breaking-up or deflecting the jet after discharge, e.g. with fixed deflectorsBreaking-up the discharged liquid or other fluent material by impinging jets
A perforate element (101) for use in a print head for non-contact liquid printing comprises: at least one ejection element (103) including an outlet (103a), configured to eject a bulk flow (F) of printing liquid (L) out of the print head; and a liquid residence element (107), arranged to provide a layer of liquid over the outlet (103a) which extends laterally of the outlet (103a) and through which the bulk flow (F) is ejected.
A mixer system for use with a non-contact liquid printer comprises: a printing liquid reservoir (103) and an expansion volume (105); and an aspirator element (111; 311; 411), configured to reduce the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to displace printing liquid (L) from the reservoir (103) to the expansion volume (105), and restore the pressure in the expansion volume (105), thereby to return the printing liquid (L) to the reservoir (103) so as to mix the printing liquid (L) therein.
An optical device comprises an optical diffuser structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index. The structure comprises a partially reflective optical coating at the interface between the two media. The partially reflective optical coating comprises a relief profile such that, in use, the optical diffuser structure diffuses light in reflection from the partially reflective optical coating and delivers substantially no optical deflection in transmission.
A treatment device comprises a unit comprising an ultrasound imaging element and an ablation electrode means receives signals from the imaging element, the signals representing plural frames of ultrasound data; and means process the signal to provide, in use, at least one of ultrasound data and data indicating mechanical strains within tissue being monitored by the sensor element, said strains being generated by movement of the tissue or the body being treated, the movement being generated naturally by the tissue or by the device operator's motion, or both.
A61B 19/00 - Instruments, implements or accessories for surgery or diagnosis not covered by any of the groups A61B 1/00-A61B 18/00, e.g. for stereotaxis, sterile operation, luxation treatment, wound edge protectors(protective face masks A41D 13/11; surgeons' or patients' gowns or dresses A41D 13/12; devices for carrying-off, for treatment of, or for carrying-over, body liquids A61M 1/00)
A61B 8/12 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves in body cavities or body tracts, e.g. by using catheters
A61B 8/00 - Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
A61B 18/00 - Surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body
37.
AEROSOLISATION ENGINE FOR LIQUID DRUG DELIVERY BACKGROUND
A spray device for generating an aerosol of a liquid such as a medicament. The device includes a perforate element comprising one or more nozzles, each nozzle having an inlet and an outlet. A drive mechanism causes, in use, liquid to be driven through the one or more nozzles, thereby forming a liquid spray having one or more streams of liquid. At least one impaction surface is provided onto which, in use, the liquid impacts, the impaction surface being located downstream of the nozzle outlet(s).
A cartridge (10) comprises a body comprising a base (20), one or more walls (30), and a lid (40). The one or more walls are connected at a first end to the base and at a second end to the lid, so the base (20), the one or more walls (30) and the lid (40) together define an enclosed space. An infusion material is located in the enclosed space, an inlet (22) is located in the body for receiving a liquid into the enclosed space and an outlet (26) is located in the body for allowing the passage of the liquid from the enclosed space. The walls (30) are expandable such that when liquid is received into the enclosed space the area of the enclosed space increases, the cartridge (10) thereby transitioning from a first state into a second state.
A fluid pump comprising: a pump body having upper and lower parts, each comprising a substantially cylindrical side wall closed at one end by a substantially circular end wall and partially closed at the opposite end by an actuator disposed in a plane substantially parallel to and between the end walls, thereby forming a single cavity having upper and lower portions which encloses the actuator and is bounded by the end walls and side walls of the pump body and the surfaces of the actuator; a substantially open actuator support structure connecting the actuator to the pump body and enabling free flow of fluid between the upper and lower cavity portions; at least two apertures through the pump body walls, at least one of which is a valved aperture; wherein all apertures located substantially at the centres of the end walls are valved apertures; wherein, in use, the actuator oscillates in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the end walls causing an acoustic wrapped standing wave to exist in the cavity and thereby causing fluid flow through said apertures.
A droplet generation device comprising a reservoir split into at least two regions by a substantially liquid impermeable barrier, a perforate membrane connecting one of said regions, containing, in use, the liquid to be dispensed, to the atmosphere, such that vibration of the membrane causes the liquid to be ejected through the perforate membrane into the atmosphere, and a pressure control system consisting of one or more valves in which at least one valve vents gas into the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔΡin, across it that is less than zero, and at least one valve is connected to a non-liquid-containing region of the reservoir and vents gas out of the reservoir in response to a pressure difference, ΔΡout, across it that is greater than ΔΡίn, where ΔΡίn and ΔΡout are the absolute pressure of the gas in the reservoir minus the absolute atmospheric pressure outside of the reservoir.
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
41.
A PRINTHEAD DRIVER BOARD ARRANGEMENT FOR 2 OR MORE PRINTHEADS
An arrangement of a 'master' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a printhead and a 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a second printhead, defined in that the 'master' electronics printed circuit board assembly comprises: a. means for receiving image data and/or timing information relating to the control of a plurality of printheads, b. means for using all or a part of the image data and/or timing information to drive a first printhead at the same rate that it receives print data, and c. means for supplying all or part of the image data and/or timing information as a data stream to a separate 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly for driving a second printhead and the 'slave' electronics printed circuit board assembly comprises: a. means for receiving image data and/or timing information relating to the control of just one second printhead, b. means for using the image data and/or timing information to drive a second printhead at the same rate that it receives print data, but c. no means for supplying any of the print data to a separate electronics board for driving any further printheads.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
An apparatus is provided for nebulising a liquid from a liquid supply through a membrane comprising first and second surfaces and a plurality of apertures extending through the membrane. The apparatus comprises an area for receiving a liquid supply, arranged to deliver a liquid to the first surface of the membrane, a vibrator member, arranged to vibrate the membrane to eject liquid droplets from the front surface of the membrane on vibration; and a mechanical coupling means, arranged to provide a removable mechanical clamping force for clamping the membrane to the vibrator member. Various means for implementing the mechanical coupling are provided, and liquid containers and membranes for use in the device are proposed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
An acoustic sensor includes a side wall, closed at each end by an end wall, to form a substantially cylindrical cavity, a transmitter and a receiver operatively associated with first and second respective end walls. Properties of the relative dimensions of the cavity are configured to create a desired oscillatory motion of the end walls, and oscillations of a fluid pressure in the cavity, to generate an electrical signal via the receiver to be output from the sensor. An array of acoustic sensors can be connected to allow calibration of one of the array of sensors.
G01N 29/036 - Analysing fluids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
G01N 33/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups
The present Invention relates to a method for the deformation and/or fragmentation of a cell, spore or virus, the method comprising: (I) bringing a liquid sample containing the cell, spore or virus into contact with a first surface of a vibratable plate having at least one aperture, and causing the plate to vibrate; and (ii) passing the sample of the cell spore or virus through the at least one aperture in the vibrating plate so as to cause deformation and/or fragmentation: of the cell, spore or virus. It also concerns a device for carrying out the method.
A wireless power transmission system is designed to transmit power through a permeable conductive barrier layer. The system comprises a power transmitting circuit including a first inductive coil. A power receiving circuit includes a second inductive coil located on the opposite side of the barrier layer to the first inductive coil. A biasing magnet or electromagnet is provided and characterised by its ability to substantially saturate the magnetisation of the barrier layer in a region adjacent to the first and second inductive coils.
H02J 50/10 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power using inductive coupling
H02J 50/70 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
H02J 50/90 - Circuit arrangements or systems for wireless supply or distribution of electric power involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
H02J 5/00 - Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
An optical device comprises an optical diffuser structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index. The structure comprises a partially reflective optical coating at the interface between the two media. The partially reflective optical coating comprises a relief profile such that, in use, the optical diffuser structure diffuses light in reflection from the partially reflective optical coating and delivers substantially no optical deflection in transmission.
A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.
A61J 3/07 - Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms into the form of capsules or similar small containers for oral use
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A61M 11/06 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes of the injector type
B65D 25/08 - Partitions with provisions for removing or destroying, e.g. to facilitate mixing of contents
A61M 11/00 - Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes
A fluid pump comprising a flow channel containing an fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and bounded by two side walls,a substantially planar flap positioned inside the flow channel, and an actuator capable of transmitting an oscillating force or torque to the flap,where the side walls extend from the inlet to the outlet and are substantially planar and parallel to the flap and extend beyond the downstream end of the flap towards the outlet by a distance such that ld ≥ lf/2, where lf is the length of the flap, where the side wall separation, h, length, lw, and width, ww, satisfy the relationships: lw > h and ww > h, whereby in use, the actuator drives oscillatory motion of the flap in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side walls with motion of the flap having larger amplitude near the outlet than near the inlet.
A liquid droplet production apparatus includes a perforate membrane, with liquid being supplied to one side of the membrane. An actuator for vibrating the membrane is provided. The vibration causes liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane. Magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted.
A liquid management system for supplying or receiving liquid at a controlled pressure, comprising: a closed reservoir having an inlet for receiving liquid from a first remote location and an outlet for supplying liquid to a second remote location; and a pumped outlet disposed in the reservoir and arranged to remove liquid and gas contained within the reservoir, the pumped outlet being disposed such that the level of liquid in the reservoir can be maintained at a constant height.
A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 3/00 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
A fluid pump comprising one or two cavities which, in use, contains a fluid to be pumped, the chamber or chambers having a substantially cylindrical shape bounded by first and second end walls and a side wall; an actuator which, in use, causes oscillatory motion of the first end wall(s) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first end wall(s); and whereby, in use, these axial oscillations of the end walls drive radial oscillations of the fluid pressure in the main cavity; and wherein an isolator forms at least a portion of the first end wall between the actuator and the side wall and includes conductive tracks, wherein electrical connection is made to the actuator via the conductive tracks included within the isolator.
A method of producing droplets from a nozzle provided on a material layer, the method comprising the steps of supplying liquid to an inner end of an array of nozzles, the nozzles being split into M groups of one or more nozzles, generating one or more firing signals, each firing signal causing sufficient movement of a group of nozzles relative to the liquid such that liquid is projected as droplets from the outer face of the respective nozzles, generating one or more sub-firing signals associated with each group of nozzles, the one or more sub-firing signals causing movement of the group of nozzles which is insufficient to project liquid from the nozzles, the sub-firing signals of adjacent groups having a non-zero phase relationship, wherein the sub-firing signal(s) of at least one group of nozzles is independent of the firing signal(s) associated with that group.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
B05B 12/08 - Arrangements for controlling deliveryArrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material discharged, of ambient medium or of target
A device is disclosed for dispensing injecting fluids. The device comprises an inlet arranged to accept a higher viscosity fluid and a further inlet arranged to accept a lower viscosity fluid. A flow arranging part arranges the liquids from the inlets into a core-annular configuration which the higher viscosity fluid is surrounded by lower viscosity fluid. This flow is then passed out through an outlet.
A method and apparatus for generating, propagating, encoding, decoding, modulating and detecting acoustic signals in a well borehole that comprises a signal generator (10) located at a first location for generating an acoustic source signal; a medium for the propagation the acoustic source signal to a second location and the propagation of the reflections and partial reflections of acoustic signals as it propagates through the medium; an apparatus to remove a detectable amount of energy from propagated acoustic signals; a controllable signal modulator (11) for attenuating the transmitted acoustic source signal; and a receiver (12) for receiving the modulated acoustic signals reflected, partially reflected or both by at least one reflector respectively located at one or more other locations.
E21B 47/14 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves
E21B 47/18 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the well fluid
G01V 11/00 - Prospecting or detecting by methods combining techniques covered by two or more of main groups
E21B 47/16 - Means for transmitting measuring-signals or control signals from the well to the surface, or from the surface to the well, e.g. for logging while drilling using acoustic waves through the drill string or casing
An acoustic sensor includes a side wall, closed at each end by an end wall, to form a substantially cylindrical cavity, a transmitter and a receiver operatively associated with first and second respective end walls. Properties of the relative dimensions of the cavity are configured to create a desired oscillatory motion of the end walls, and oscillations of a fluid pressure in the cavity, to generate an electrical signal via the receiver to be output from the sensor. An array of acoustic sensors can be connected to allow calibration of one of the array of sensors.
G01N 29/036 - Analysing fluids by measuring frequency or resonance of acoustic waves
G01N 29/22 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic wavesVisualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object Details
57.
SYSTEM PROVIDING INDUCTIVE TRANSMISSION OF POWER AND DATA THROUGH A PERMEABLE CONDUCTIVE BARRIER LAYER.
A wireless power transmission system is designed to transmit power through a permeable conductive barrier layer. The system comprises a power transmitting circuit including a first inductive coil. A power receiving circuit includes a second inductive coil located on the opposite side of the barrier layer to the first inductive coil. A biasing magnet or electromagnet is provided and characterised by its ability to substantially saturate the magnetisation of the barrier layer in a region adjacent to the first and second inductive coils.
H02J 5/00 - Circuit arrangements for transfer of electric power between ac networks and dc networks
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
H02J 17/00 - Systems for supplying or distributing electric power by electromagnetic waves
H05K 9/00 - Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
An optical device comprising an optical grating structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index, the structure having an optical coating at the interface between the two media, wherein the structure comprises grating facets inclined relative to the interface plane such that, in use, anomalous optical effects due to coating are substantially reduced.
An optical device (20) that comprises at least two refractive optical elements (1, 2) arranged along an optical axis (OA) of the device, each refractive optical element having a surface profile. The device has an optical aperture common to the at least two refractive optical elements and wherein at least one refractive optical element is arranged to rotate relative to another refractive optical element around a rotation axis which intersects the aperture of the device. The device has a plurality of configurations, each configuration having a predetermined optical property, such as the focal length, over at least a first region of the aperture; the configurations being selected by rotating the at least one refractive optical element arranged to rotate. The total area of the first regions divided by the total area of the aperture is a function of the surface profiles of the at least two refractive optical elements.
G02B 15/00 - Optical objectives with means for varying the magnification
G02B 26/08 - Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a perforate membrane (33,39), a means for supplying liquid to one side of the membrane, an actuator (31) for vibrating the membrane said vibration causing liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane, in which magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A unit dose container for holding a single dose of a given liquid, the container comprising: a chamber (8) in which, in use, the given liquid is stored, the chamber having a wall through which, in use, the liquid is to be supplied; a release mechanism (7), at least part of which is internal to, or forms part of the wall of, the chamber, the release mechanism being movable relative to the chamber between first and second positions; and means for allowing the release mechanism (7) to move from the first to the second positions, thereby opening a passage through the wall so that the liquid can exit the chamber (8), the means including at least one flexible wall portion.
A print head comprising a nozzle plate having a plurality of nozzles extending therethrough, a piezoelectric bending mode actuator associated with each nozzle and connected with the respective nozzle so as to provide a plurality of independently actuatable nozzles, and a mount for, in use, connecting the nozzle plate to a liquid printer, wherein, in use, each nozzle can be driven at its resonant frequency such that motion of the driven nozzle causes liquid to be ejected only from the driven nozzle.
A pump comprising a side wall closed at each end by an end wall forming a cavity for, in use, containing a fluid, one or more actuators each operatively associated with one or more of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the associated end wall(s) whereby, in use, these axial oscillations of the end wall(s) drive substantially radial oscillations of the fluid pressure in the cavity, two or more apertures in the cavity, a valve disposed in at least one of the apertures, wherein the actuator(s) is arranged to be non-axisymmetric in use such that, in use, a pressure oscillation with at least one nodal diameter is generated within the cavity.
A system for controlling an electricity supply to a load comprises at least one battery for storing energy. The system also comprises a controller for determining when to switch between a first mode wherein electricity is supplied to the load from a mains electricity circuit; and a discharging mode wherein electricity is supplied from the battery to the load via the mains electricity circuit. The determining is based on information associated with the electricity supply.
H02J 9/06 - Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 13/00 - Circuit arrangements for providing remote indication of network conditions, e.g. an instantaneous record of the open or closed condition of each circuitbreaker in the networkCircuit arrangements for providing remote control of switching means in a power distribution network, e.g. switching in and out of current consumers by using a pulse code signal carried by the network
An electronic spray device comprising a spray generator and a spray controller for providing a drive signal to the spray generator, wherein the spray generator includes a perforate membrane which vibrates ultrasonically in response to the drive signal, said vibration causing liquid droplets to be ejected from one side of the perforate membrane, wherein the spray controller is adapted to modulate the drive signal sent to the spray generator, wherein such modulation of the drive signal is arranged to set the mean power level supplied to the spray generator to a target level.
B06B 1/06 - Processes or apparatus for generating mechanical vibrations of infrasonic, sonic or ultrasonic frequency making use of electrical energy operating with piezoelectric effect or with electrostriction
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A system for analyzing an interior energy system including: at least one detachable sensor arranged to monitor a portion of the interior energy system; and an apparatus including a processor configured to receive data of a first parameter of the interior energy system from the at least one detachable sensor and determine a second parameter of the interior energy which is inferred on the basis of the received data of the first parameter; and determine a characteristic of the interior energy system from the determined second parameter. The system may provide analysis of the interior energy system and recommend improvements.
A light modulation device comprising an optical element and at least one addressable mask disposed adjacent to the optical element. The optical element comprises at least two sub-elements, each of the at least two sub-elements having at least one optical characteristic wherein at least one optical characteristic of one sub-element is discrete from at least one optical characteristic of another sub-element. The mask comprises at least two regions corresponding to the at least two sub-elements, each of the at least two regions being individually addressable to enable its corresponding sub-element to be light transmitting.
An optical device comprising an optical grating structure embedded between media of substantially the same optical refractive index, the structure having an optical coating at the interface between the two media, wherein the structure comprises grating facets inclined relative to the interface plane such that, in use, anomalous optical effects due to coating are substantially reduced.
A method of producing droplets from a nozzle provided on a material layer, the method comprising the steps of supplying liquid to an inner end of an array of nozzles, the nozzles being split into M groups of one or more nozzles, generating one or more firing signals, each firing signal causing sufficient movement of a group of nozzles relative to the liquid such that liquid is projected as droplets from the outer face of the respective nozzles, generating one or more sub-firing signals associated with each group of nozzles, the one or more sub-firing signals causing movement of the group of nozzles which is insufficient to project liquid from the nozzles, the sub-firing signals of adjacent groups having a non-zero phase relationship, wherein the sub-firing signal(s) of at least one group of nozzles is independent of the firing signal(s) associated with that group.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
The invention provides an apparatus for the culturing of biological cells, comprising a substantially tubular vessel, which is shaped and oriented so that its axis is gently sloping, and a means of injection of individual large bubbles. In operation, the vessel holds a liquid cell culture medium into which bubbles of gas are introduced. The shape of the vessel serves to stabilise and reduce the velocity of large rising bubbles of gas, compared to bubbles in a bulk fluid. The motion of the large rising bubbles causes mixing and gas transfer to the medium while reducing the high shear rates and bubble collapse that cause cell damage, and reducing production of foam in the vessel's headspace.
A valve comprises: a first plate (116) having apertures (120) extending through said first plate; a second plate (114) having apertures (118) extending through said second plate, the apertures (118) being substantially offset from the apertures (120) of said first plate; a spacer (112) disposed between said first plate and said second plate to form a cavity (115) therebetween; and, a flap (117) disposed and moveable between said first and second plates, said flap having apertures (122) substantially offset from the apertures (120) of said first plate and substantially aligned with the apertures (118) of said second plate. A pump (10) containing said valve is also disclosed. The pump has a sylindrical shape and defines a cavity (10) formed by a side wall (19) closed at both ends by end walls (12, 13), wherein an actuator (20) causes an oscillatory motion on one end wall to generate displacement oscillations. Methods for fabricating the valve and for mounting the valve in the pump.
A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has a pathway (25) or pathways located substantially adjacent the spray head (23) for the removal of air ingested into the porous medium (24) during spraying.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 1/08 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops of pulsating nature, e.g. delivering liquid in successive separate quantities
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A print head comprising a nozzle plate (4) having a plurality of nozzles (5) extending therethrough, a piezoelectric bending mode actuator (6) associated with each nozzle and connected with the respective nozzle so as to provide a plurality of independently actuatable nozzles, and a mount (2) for, in use, connecting the nozzle plate to a liquid printer, wherein, in use, each nozzle can be driven at its resonant frequency such that motion of the driven nozzle causes liquid to be ejected only from the driven nozzle.
A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has an effective pore size and/or permeability that decreases towards the spray head (23). Means and methods of creating the pore size and/or permeability gradients are discussed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
B05B 1/08 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to produce a jet, spray, or other discharge of particular shape or nature, e.g. in single drops of pulsating nature, e.g. delivering liquid in successive separate quantities
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openingsNozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
B05B 17/00 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass
A light concentrator is provided. The light concentrator comprises a primary optical element which has an optical axis; and a core comprising a rigid body which is co-linear with the optical axis and configured to support the primary optical element.
H01L 31/052 - Cooling means directly associated or integrated with the PV cell, e.g. integrated Peltier elements for active cooling or heat sinks directly associated with the PV cells
76.
BATTERY HAVING AN AIR MANAGER WITH A MOVING PLATE VALVE
A gas consuming battery is provided with an air regulating system for regulating the flow of air into the battery. The battery includes a gas consuming cell having a cell housing with air entry ports for the passage of a gas contained in the air into the cell housing. A first gas consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The air regulating system includes a valve having a moving plate disposed adjacent to another plate. In an embodiment, the moving plate and the other plate both have one or more apertures therethrough that at least partially align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The air regulating system can also include an actuator for moving the moving plate relative to the fixed plate to open and close the valve. A sealing medium including a fluid containment layer and a fluid partially contained with the fluid containment layer is disposed between the moving plate and fixed plate to provide enhanced valve operation and sealing effectiveness. The fluid containment layer includes a porous material, and the fluid has a maximum wicking height, on a vertical strip of the porous material, that is equal to or greater than a maximum interfacial dimension between the valve plates.
H01M 12/06 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations. The pump further comprises a valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the valve. The valve has first and second plates with offsetting apertures and a sidewall disposed between the plates around the perimeter of the plates to form a cavity in fluid communication with the apertures. The valve further comprises a flap disposed and moveable between the first and second plates and having apertures substantially offset from the apertures of one plate and substantially aligned with the apertures of the other plate. The flap is motivated between the two plates in response to a change in direction of the differential pressure of fluid across the valve.
A pump having a substantially cylindrical shape and defining a cavity formed by a side wall closed at both ends by end walls wherein the cavity contains a fluid is disclosed. The pump further comprises an actuator operatively associated with at least one of the end walls to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall to generate displacement oscillations of the driven end wall within the cavity. The pump further comprises an isolator operatively associated with a peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce dampening of the displacement oscillations.
A valve for controlling the flow of fluid having first (16) and second (14) plates with offsetting apertures and a sidewall (12) disposed between the plates around the perimeter of the plates to form a cavity (15) in fluid communication with the apertures is disclosed. The valve further comprises a flap (17) disposed and moveable between the first and second plates and having apertures (22) substantially offset from the apertures (20) of one plate (16) and substantially aligned with the apertures (18) of the other plate (14). The flap is motivated between the two plates in response to a change in direction of the differential pressure of fluid across the valve.
wherein the transducers are formed as beams in a material layer, separated by slots within the material layer, and the width of the slot varies along the length of the beams, the width of the slot being a minimum at a position substantially adjacent the nozzle.
A system for analysing an interior energy system comprising: at least one detachable sensor arranged to monitor a portion of the interior energy system; and an apparatus comprising a processor configured to receive data of a first parameter of the interior energy system from the at least one detachable sensor and determine a second parameter of the interior energy which is inferred on the basis of the received data of the first parameter; and determine a characteristic of the interior energy system from the determined second parameter. The system may provide analysis of the interior energy system and recommend improvements.
A memory device comprising: means for removably connecting said memory device to a user device; a memory; and erasing means responsive to an internally generated command for erasing at least partly said memory.
wherein one or more pressure absorbing regions are disposed at a predetermined distance from said nozzles, in a direction perpendicular to the substantially planar array of transducers.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has a pathway (25) or pathways located substantially adjacent the spray head (23) for the removal of air ingested into the porous medium (24) during spraying.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A fluid spray dispenser (2) having a fluid reservoir (20) for holding a fluid to be dispensed, a spray head (23) for dispensing the fluid and a porous medium (24) through which the fluid passes from the reservoir (20) to the spray head (23). The porous medium (24) has an effective pore size and/or permeability that decreases towards the spray head (23). Means and methods of creating the pore size and/or permeability gradients are discussed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A spray generator ((10) comprising: a membrane (40) having a perforate portion through which, in use, a fluid is caused to flow when the membrane (40) is vibrated; an electronically-driven or a piezoelectrically driven actuator for vibrating the membrane (40); a chamber (18) for storing fluid for supply to a surface of the membrane (40); and a sealing element (13) located in and movable within the chamber (18) between a first position in which fluid flow from the chamber (18) through the membrane (40) is prevented and a second position in which fluid flow from the chamber (18) through the membrane (40) is allowed.
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A dispensing system comprising: a main body having an electrically driven SMA actuator; a container for a medium to be dispensed, the container being separate from, but connectable to, the main body; a dispenser, a portion of which is, in use, to be located within the container and moveable relative thereto so as to selectively dispense a portion of the medium, the dispenser also being arranged to be connected in use to the actuator of the main body: wherein the actuator is arranged to cause relative movement between the container and the dispenser in order to dispense a predetermined portion of the medium.
A fluid pump comprising a chamber which, in use, contains a fluid to be pumped, the chamber including a main cavity having a substantially cylindrical shape bounded by first and second end walls and a side wall and a secon dary cavity extending radially outwards of the main cavity, one or more actuators which, in use, cause oscillatory motion of the first end wall in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first end wall, and whereby, in use, the axial os cillations of the end walls drive radial oscillations of the fluid pressure in the main cavity, and wherein the secondary cavity spaces the side wall from the first end wall such that the first end wall can move relative to the side wall when the actuator is activated.
A server, said server configured to receive information from a user equipment regarding interaction of the user with media content by a user of said user equipment; using said information to define preferences for said users; using said defined preferences to determine media content to be provided to said user, and transmitting information on said determined media content to said user equipment.
A user equipment comprising means for receiving identification information of a user; means for determining a selection of media content based on a user profile associated with said received identification information; and means for providing at least some of said determined media content to said user.
A light tracking device comprising first and second support members and at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members. The first and second support members are arranged such that relative translational displacement of the members generates rotational displacement of the element. One or more resilient flexible beams may comprise spiral arms extending from the first to the second support members.
G01S 3/786 - Systems for determining direction or deviation from predetermined direction using adjustment of orientation of directivity characteristics of a detector or detector system to give a desired condition of signal derived from that detector or detector system the desired condition being maintained automatically
A configurable module adapted for coupling to a host device comprises a stored user interface which is uploadable to the host device when it is coupled to the module. The user interface allows the module to be configured via the host device. The module may be coupled to a plurality of different host devices, including devices having a Graphical User Interface, such as a mobile phone, PDA, and laptop or personal computer. The module may be a digital audio broadcast (DAB) module including a DAB receiver. Alternatively, the module may include a wireless transceiver, such as a short range point to point, point to multi-point, or mesh wireless transceiver, for coupling the module to a network of wireless nodes, which may be the same or different. This module can also function when not coupled to a node, if configured by the host device or from prior connection with a node.
A system comprising a server (110) which is arranged to store encrypted addresses and encryption information associated with the addresses (160). The server sending the addresses and encryption information to user equipment (150) which is able to decrypt the encrypted addresses using the encryption information; and is able to access a locations associated with the addresses.
A battery having a high temperature fluid regulating shutoff valve, said battery comprising: at least one fluid consuming cell comprising; a cell housing comprising one or more fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell; a first fluid consuming electrode disposed within said cell housing; a second electrode disposed within said cell housing; and a fluid regulating system comprising; a valve for adjusting the rate of passage of the fluid into said fluid consuming electrode; and an actuator for operating said valve, said actuator comprising a first shape memory alloy component for opening said valve and a second shape memory alloy component for closing said valve, wherein the first shape memory alloy component actuates the valve at a first temperature to open the valve and the second shape memory alloy component actuates the valve at a second temperature to close the valve, and wherein the second temperature is lower than the first temperature such that the second shape memory alloy component closes the valve upon reaching the second temperature.
H01M 12/06 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
H01M 12/08 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of a fuel-cell type and a half-cell of the secondary-cell type
95.
A BATTERY HAVING FLUID REGULATOR WITH ROTATING VALVE
A fluid consuming battery (10) is provided with a fluid regulating system (50) for regulating fluid entry into the battery. The battery (10) includes a fluid consuming cell (20) having a cell housing with fluid entry ports for the passage of a fluid into the cell housing. A first fluid consuming electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the cell housing. The fluid regulating system (50) includes a valve having a moving plate (66) disposed adjacent to a fixed plate (62). The moving plate and fixed plate both have fluid entry ports (68, 64) that align in an open valve position and are misaligned in a closed valve position. The fluid regulating system (50) also includes an actuator that may include one or more shape memory alloy (SMA) components (82a, 82b) for moving the moving plate (66) relative to the fixed plate (62) to open and close the valve.
H01M 12/06 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
H01M 12/08 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of a fuel-cell type and a half-cell of the secondary-cell type
96.
BATTERY HAVING FLUID REGULATOR WITH PRESSURE EQUALIZATION
A battery comprising: a cell housing having at least one fluid entry port for the passage of a fluid into said cell housing,- a first fluid consuming electrode disposed within said -cell housing; a second electrode disposed within said cell housing; and a fluid regulating system disposed in fluid communication with said at least one fluid entry port to selectively allow fluid to enter into said at least one fluid entry port to reach said first fluid consuming electrode, said fluid regulating system comprising a valve having an open position and a closed position and said fluid regulating system further comprising a chassis comprising a fluid passage extending between an inside port in fluid communication with said at least one fluid.entry port and an outside port in fluid communication with the outside environment, such that fluid released from the cell housing is able -to pass through the fluid passage in the chassis to the outside.environment when said valve is in the closed position.
H01M 12/08 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of a fuel-cell type and a half-cell of the secondary-cell type
H01M 12/06 - Hybrid cellsManufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of the fuel-cell type and of a half-cell of the primary-cell type with one metallic and one gaseous electrode
A user equipment comprising; a receiver for receiving transmitted data, said receiver comprising an antenna arrangement comprising a ferrite core, said core being surrounded by a sleeve, said antenna arrangement being such that said user equipment is arranged to receive signals in a frequency range of 50 to 400MHz.
An electronic drive system for a droplet spray generation device (10) has a droplet generator (11) with a perforate membrane (32) driven by a piezoelectric transducer (31). An electronic circuit controlsa power supply (21) to control the charging of a capacitor (22) to a supply voltage providing power to a power amplifier (23) connected to receive electric power from the capacitor and supply a drive signal to the piezoelectric transducer. The electronic circuitis also arranged to control the operation of the power amplifier (23) including the drive signal operating frequency at substantially its resonant frequency, where the resonant frequency is calculated by measuring and/or timing changes to the voltage across the capacitor whenthe droplet generatoris operatedin a plurality of bursts at different frequencies, by charging the capacitor (22) to a given voltage, and either actuating the droplet generator for a given time and either measuring the voltage drop across the capacitor at the end of the given time or the time taken to recharge the capacitor to the set value thereafter, or actuating the droplet generator and measuring the time taken for the voltage to fall to a known value,and determining as the resonant frequency of the droplet generator, the frequency at which respectively the time to recharge is the greatest, or the voltage drop is the greatest, or the time taken for the voltage to fall to the known value is shortest, and toset the drive signal operating frequency at the resonant frequency thus determined.
H01L 41/04 - SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR - Details thereof - Details of piezo-electric or electrostrictive elements
B05B 17/06 - Apparatus for spraying or atomising liquids or other fluent materials, not covered by any other group of this subclass operating with special methods using ultrasonic vibrations
A device comprising a receiver for receiving a broadcast; a processor for processing said broadcast to extract at least one data channel or service from said broadcast means for connecting said device to user equipment, said connecting means being arranged to establish a connection with said user equipment whereby said extracted data channel or service can be transferred securely to said user equipment.
H04H 60/80 - Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by source locations or destination locations characterised by transmission among terminal devices
A method of projecting liquid as jets or droplets from a nozzle (13) provided on a transducer (7) formed by a region of a material layer, the method comprising the steps of : supplying liquid to an inner end of the nozzle; exciting the nozzle to cause movement of the nozzle in a direction substantially aligned with the nozzle axis in order to project liquid as a droplet from an outer face of the nozzle; wherein the step of exciting the nozzle comprises sequentially driving the transducer with a first rising voltage change (40,44a, 45a, 46a, 47a, 48a), a first falling voltage change (41, 44b, 45b, 46b, 47b, 48b), a second rising voltage change (42, 44c, 45c, 46c, 47c, 48c) and a second falling voltage change; and wherein the first rising voltage change and the first falling voltage change are timed so that they enhance the movement of the material layer, and the second rising voltage change and the second falling voltage change are timed so that they substantially cancel the movement of the material layer.
B41J 2/045 - Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand by pressure, e.g. electromechanical transducers
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